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. 2021 Oct 25;21(1):1153.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-07191-9.

Implementing lateral flow devices in long-term care facilities: experiences from the Liverpool COVID-19 community testing pilot in care homes- a qualitative study

Patrick Kierkegaard  1   2 , Massimo Micocci  3 , Anna McLister  3 , John S P Tulloch  4 , Paula Parvulescu  5 , Adam L Gordon  6   7 , Peter Buckle  3
Affiliations

Implementing lateral flow devices in long-term care facilities: experiences from the Liverpool COVID-19 community testing pilot in care homes- a qualitative study

Patrick Kierkegaard et al. BMC Health Serv Res. .

Abstract

Introduction: Antigen-based lateral flow devices (LFDs) offer the potential of widespread rapid testing. The scientific literature has primarily focused on mathematical modelling of their use and test performance characteristics. For these tests to be implemented successfully, an understanding of the real-world contextual factors that allow them to be integrated into the workplace is vital. To address this gap in knowledge, we aimed to explore staff's experiences of integrating LFDs into routine practice for visitors and staff testing with a view to understand implementation facilitators and barriers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Results: We identified two main themes and five subthemes. The main themes included: visitor-related testing factors and staff-related testing factors. Subthemes included: restoring a sense of normality, visitor-related testing challenges, staff-related testing challenges, and pre-pilot antecedent factors.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the real-world implementation of LFDs to test visitors and staff faces significant challenges as a result of several contextual factors negatively affecting the work practice and environment. More comprehensive studies are needed to identify and inform effective implementation strategies to ensure that LFDs can be adopted in an agile way that better supports an already exhausted and morally depleted workforce.

Keywords: Antigen test; Care homes; Lateral flow devices; Nursing homes; Residential homes; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

PK, MM, AM, ALG, and PB have nothing to declare. JSPT has been contracted to provide epidemiological support to Liverpool City Council during the COVID-19 pandemic. PP is employed by Liverpool City Council.

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